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Reinforcing UHC economic gains

Manila Bulletin

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April 22, 2025

When Republic Act No. 11223 was enacted in February 2019, it was hailed as a landmark achievement in Philippine public health policy. Also known as the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, the law carried the promise that every Filipino would have equitable access to quality and affordable health services without facing financial hardship. Its vision was ambitious yet it proved to be timely as the nation faced the crisis brought by the pandemic a year later.

- J. ALBERT GAMBOA

Reinforcing UHC economic gains

For countries with universal health coverage, the so-called equity effect has resulted in significant economic benefits — notably an increase in productivity, improved social wellbeing, and poverty reduction. A healthy workforce leads to higher levels of labor participation and economic output since individuals are protected from the devastating financial impact of unexpected health care expenses.

But more than six years after the Philippine UHC Act was signed into law, many Filipinos still struggle to obtain quality treatment or even basic care services. The weaknesses of this law goes beyond technical execution and reveal deep structural issues in our health system.

The gap between aspiration and implementation has become evident. Budget allocations remain uneven, favoring Metro Manila and its adjacent regions while leaving far-flung communities underserved. Tasked with managing health services at the grassroots level, local government units in many areas often lack the personnel, training, and equipment to deliver reliable care.

MEER VERHALEN VAN Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

Esperanzate, Andaya stamp class

A newcomer to the international stage and a battle-tested veteran stamped their class as the inaugural 5150 FAB Triathlon champions, drawing heavily on their superior bike-handling skills and mastery of Bataan's notorious climbs to deliver emphatic victories at the Freeport Area of Bataan on Sunday, Nov. 16.

time to read

1 min

November 17, 2025

Manila Bulletin

ITCZ, 'amihan', shear line to bring rains across PH

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), northeast monsoon or \"amihan,\" and a prevailing shear line will continue to dump rains over several parts of the Philippines, particularly Mindanao and eastern sections of Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Sunday, Nov. 16.

time to read

2 mins

November 17, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Pagdanganan trails leader by 12

Bianca Pagdanganan shot a 2-under-par 68 to trail solo leader Linn Grant by 12 strokes after three rounds in The Annika LPGA tournament at the Pelican Golf Club in Florida on Saturday, Nov. 15.

time to read

1 min

November 17, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Tala reveals key insights in protecting Filipino consumers from financial fraud

Financial fraud has become one of the most pressing challenges facing Filipino consumers and businesses today. In a revealing conversation with Atty. Arianne Ferrer, External Affairs Director of Tala, a financial tech platform, shared insights into the scale of the problem and what's being done to combat it.

time to read

6 mins

November 17, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

Reaffirming Filipino values that define citizenship and nationhood

The month of November is observed by all public schools as Filipino Values Month with the theme, Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pag-Asa: Pagkakaisa at Pananagutan para sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago (New Philippines, New Hope: Unity and Accountability Toward Meaningful Change).

time to read

2 mins

November 17, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

Requiem for Juan Ponce Enrile

Juan Ponce Enrile, who passed away on Nov. 13, 2025 at the age of 101, leaves behind a legacy as complex and enduring as the nation he served. His death at home in Manila, surrounded by family, marked the close of a chapter that spanned nearly every presidency since Philippine independence.

time to read

1 min

November 17, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Japan protests China's travel advisory over Taiwan remarks

Japan raised objections Saturday after China advised its citizens to avoid visiting Japan, as a feud over the new Japanese leader's remarks on Taiwan showed no signs of dying down.

time to read

1 mins

November 17, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Muntinlupa shoreline communities flooded due to rise in Laguna Lake water level

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said shoreline communities in the city continued to be flooded due to the rise in the water level in Laguna Lake.

time to read

1 mins

November 17, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Climate resilience and peacebuilding

The successive typhoons that have hit our shores over the past few months have caused massive damage to communities and the significant loss of lives. We have witnessed heartbreaking scenes of homes being swept away, millions worth of crops destroyed, and families wondering how to rebuild.

time to read

4 mins

November 17, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Filipinos in the UN: A showcase of service, integrity, and leadership

The Filipino commitment to peace and professionalism has long extended beyond our shores. In my years of service—first in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and later under the United Nations—I have witnessed how Filipinos consistently rise to the challenge of serving humanity. Whether in the corridors of global institutions or in conflict-torn communities across the world, our countrymen have shown that integrity, resilience, and compassion are deeply embedded in the Filipino character. The story of Filipinos in the UN is not simply a record of participation—it is a living testament to the belief that peace begins with example and that true leadership is grounded in moral courage.

time to read

3 mins

November 17, 2025

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